Our Opinion: House District 8

Alan Williams has been serving Leon and Gadsden counties in the Florida House of Representatives since 2008, and there is no reason to change horses now.

That’s the bottom line in the closed Democratic primary between Mr. Williams and Dianne Williams-Cox for the District 8 seat in the House. The winner of the Aug. 26 primary will face a write-in candidate on Nov. 4.

As a Democrat in the Republican-dominated Legislature, Mr. Williams doesn’t always get what he wants, especially on issues concerning state workers, their wages and their retirement. But it’s unlikely that any other Democrat — or a Republican, for that matter — would find more success in those areas.

Mr. Williams does take some credit for small victories, including working with then-Gov. Charlie Crist, who vetoed a 2-percent pay cut for some employees in 2009, and helping to get state workers a long-overdue pay raise in 2013. He also recognizes the importance of our state universities to the area economy.

Ms. Williams-Cox — who agrees with many of Mr. Williams’ positions, from state workers to helping small communities in Gadsden County — is a strong candidate making her second try for public office (she ran unsuccessfully for the Leon County School Board in 2008). Her major issues are education, the minimum wage, and women-and-children issues, including equal pay for women. She said she has made a “listening tour” of the district and promises, “I plan to be there when you need me.”

She quit her job in order to enter this race, when Mr. Williams was talking about running for an open seat on the City Commission. Mr. Williams later decided to try to keep his House seat.

That early indecision by Mr. Williams, as well as lingering questions over whether he indeed resides in District 8, might place some doubt in voters’ minds. But he is visible, approachable and well connected to the leaders in Leon County and Tallahassee government.

He understands the issues and the process in the state Legislature, and he will represent District 8 well over the next two years.

REBUTTAL

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